Uddhav Thackeray launches grassroots tour as UBT Sena faces fresh defections

The five-day outreach campaign spans Yavatmal, Washim, Hingoli, Parbhani, and Shirdi. Thackeray’s itinerary focuses specifically on the home turfs of MPs like Sanjay Dina Patil, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure, who notably skipped a recent parliamentary party meeting. These absences have fueled speculation that the lawmakers are preparing to align with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, a move Thackeray branded as a dangerous trend of political commodification.

Speaking to supporters in Mumbai’s Bhandup and Ghatkopar districts, Thackeray issued a blunt apology for his role in their election. He accused the departing representatives of inflating their political price tag before selling their loyalty. Despite the high-profile desertions, the UBT chief maintains that the rank-and-file Shivsainiks remain anchored to the party. The leadership crisis has even reached into the families of the rebels; Rajool Patil, daughter of Mumbai North East MP Sanjay Dina Patil, publicly reaffirmed her commitment to Thackeray at his Matoshree residence, distancing herself from her father’s rumored exit.